McDonald Thrilled With Late Point

Neil McDonald was thrilled to see his side fight-back and pick up a point in a 1-1 draw at Walsall.

The manager watched on as Danny Philliskirk fired in a 94th minute equaliser to cancel out a second-half effort from Jason Demetriou.

It was a goal that was fully deserved following a good counter attacking performance at the Banks’s Stadium.

“It would have been harsh if we’d have got beat there today. In the first-half we showed some composure and counter attacked really well and had three really good chances. We should have scored with one of them, to be fair,” McDonald admitted.

“They upped the tempo in the second-half but we stayed with them. We’re disappointed with the goal that we conceded, we have to stop the shot by being in the right positions. But we kept on going right until the end and got our just rewards when Danny Philliskirk finished off in the six-yard box.”

The late strike highlighted the growing belief within the dressing room, as the players pushed for a way back.

“That’s the second time we’ve come back from behind and drawn, the players have got the bit between their teeth and that’s two on the bounce now undefeated.”

The introductions of debutant Uche Ikpeazu and Mark Cullen made an impact off the bench for Blackpool, offering a new threat for the Walsall defenders to contend with.

“We’ve got a few more options now, which is excellent. Everybody is fighting for a place and the substitutes made a difference. It gave us a little bit of a different focus of how to get forward.”

Philliskirk’s goal, his second for the club, came right in front of the Blackpool fans, and the manager was delighted to see the scenes that ensued.

“The fans got right behind the team and it was great that they could share in the celebration with the players at the end,” he added.